Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-12-27

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CHAPTER XIV.
Henry and Agnes were left alone in tho
room Of the Caryatides.
Tho person who had written the description
| OF the palace-probably poor author or art
lst-had correctly pointed out the defects OF
the mantelpiece Bad TASTE exhibiting itself
ON the most costly and splendid scale, was
visible in every part Of tho work. 1t was,
nevertheless, greatly admired by ignorant
travellers of all classes partly on account of
its imposing size, and partly on account OF
the number OF variously colored marbles
which the sculptor had oontrived to INTRODUCES
into his design. photographs OF the mantel-
piece were exhibited in the pablo rooms, and
found ready sale among English and Amer
lean visitors to the kotel.
Henry led Agnes to the figure on the left,
as they stood facing the empty fireplace
1Shall try the experiment" be asked, "or
will your She abruptly drew her arm away
from him, and turned back to tho door.
~ can't even look at it," she said. "That
merciess marble face frightens me-"
Henry put his hand on the forehead Of tho
figure.
"What Is there to alarm you, my dear, In
this conventionally classical facep no asked,
jestingly.
Before he could press the head inward, Ag-
mes hurriedly op. the door.
swat till l am out OF tho room,n she cried.
GThs bare idea Of what you may find there
horrifes mol" Sho looked back into the
room as she crossed the threshold. a won't
leave you altogether" she said; II will wait
outside"
She closed the door. Left by himself,
Henry lifted his hand once more to the mar
| BILE forehead OF the figure.
| For the second time he was checked on the
point OF setting the machinery Of the hiding
place in motion. On this occasion the inter-
ruption camo from an outbreak OF friendly
voices In the corridor. A woman's voice ex-
claimed: dearest Agnes, how glad am to
see you agninln A mans voice followed, of
fering to Introduce some friend to "Miss
| Lockwood" A third voice (which Henry
recognized as the voice Of the manager Of the
hotel became audible next, directing thu
housekeeper to show tho ladies AMI gentlemen
the vacant apartments at the other end of thu
corridor. AT more accommodation Is want
ed,n the manager went on, al have n charm
ing room TO let here" He opened the door al
|
Henry Westwick.
"This is indeed an agreeable surprise, sir,
said the manager, cbeerfully. "You are ad
miring our famous chimney piece, sea Ma,
l ash, Mr. Westuick, how you find yoursel
in the hotel this timei Have the supernatural
influences affected your appetite again"
"The supernatural influences have sparet
me this time,' Henry answered. "Perhap
you may yet find that they have nffecte,
some other niembers OF tho family" HI
spoke gravely, resentlng the familiar tone il
which the manager had referred to his previ
Gus visit to tho hotel. slave you just re
tuIneda" no asked, by way Of changing th
topic.
aust this minute, sir had tho honor o
travelling in the same train with friends o
yours, who have arrived at the hotel-Mr
and Mrs. Arthur BarvilO and their travelling
companions. Miss Lockwood is with them
looking at the rooms. They will be here be
fore long, il they find 1t convenient to hav
an extra room at their disposal"
This announcement decided Henry on ex
ploring the hiding place before the interrupt
ton occurred. 1t had crossed his mind whei
Agnes left him that he ought, perhaps, +
have n witness in the not very probable even
OF some alarming discovery taking place
The too familiar manager, suspecting moth
ing, was there at his disposal. He turne
again to tho Caryan figure, maliciously re
solving to make the manager his witness.
al am delighted to hear that our friend
have arrived at last" he said. Before
shake hands with them let me ask you ques
ton about this queer work OF art here.
saw photographs of it down stairs. Arc the,
for salef'
Certainly, Mr.. Westwick"
ado you think the chimney pioco Is as sol
as It looksl" Henry proceeded. "When yo
came In l was just wondering whether thi
figure here had not accidentally got loosene
from the wall behind It," Ho laid his ham
on the marble forehead for the third time
@To my eye it looks little out Of the pelpeI
diculnr. almost fancy could jog tho heat
Just now when touched It," He pressed til
head inward as he said those words.
A sound Of Earring iron was Instant.
audible behind the wall Tho solid hearth
stone in front of the fireplace turned slowl,
at the feet OF the two men, and disclosed
dark cavity below. At the same moment
the strange and sickening combination o
odors, hitherto associated with the vault
OF the old palace and with the bed chambo
beneath, now 1oated up from the open re
cess, and filled the room.
Tho manager started back. "Good God
Mr.. WestwickI" he exclaimed, "what doe
=, this meanT
,, Remembering, not only what his brothe
, Francis had felt In tho room beneath, bu
what the experience of Agnes had been OF
the previous night, Henry was determined +
DO on his guard u am as much surprises
as you are" was his only reply.
"Wait for me one moment, sir, said th
manager. NJ must stop tho ladies and ger
tlomen outside from coming in"
He hurried away-not forgetting TO clos
|, the door after him. Henry opened the wiz
. dow, and waited there, breathing the pur
air. Vague apprchensions of the next dis
covery TO come filled his mind for the frs
time. He was doubly resolved, now, not t
stir step in the investigation without wit
ness.
The manager returned with wax taper 1
his hand, which lie lighted as soon us /
} entered the room.
"Wo need fear no interruption now" Ii
said. abe so kind, Mr. Westwicl. as to hol
the light. 1t Is my business to find out whu
this extraordinary discovery means"
Henry held the taper. Looking into tn
cavity, by the dim and pickering light, the
both detected dark object at the bottom O
1t. ~ think can reach tho thing" the man
ager remarked, III lilo down, and put m
hand into the hole"
He llDslt on the floor--nnd hesitated
"Might ask you, sir, to give me my glovesl
lie said. @They arc in my hat, on the chai
behind you"
Henry gave him his gloves. ~ don't know
what may be going to tale hold Of" til